Kora wakes up again around noon. She slowly opens her eyes and vaguely hears some chatter coming from downstairs.
"Is Emili still baking? I wonder how long I have slept...Maybe I should go downstairs and see how she's doing. I have nothing to do anyways. Hmm...my injury still kind of hurts so I guess I'll take my time."
Downstairs, there is a conversation going on between two individuals.
"How are you, Gentes? It's been a while since I last came over."
"Long time no see, your highness. Although I would very much like to offer you some of my daughter's new recipe...our kitchen, unfortunately, is not in service. Have a seat though, please. Let me serve you a cup of water."
Prince Loki takes a seat. "It's a shame I can't have a try of her new recipe. Her cooking skills are starting to resemble Amillia's."
The other individual, Gentes, pauses for a second after hearing that name but proceeds to pour a cup of water for Prince Loki.
"Pardon me. Maybe I shouldn't have brought that name up."
"No, please don't say that. Amillia would be delighted to know that his highness still remembers her."
He hands the cup of water to Prince Loki and continues, "After all...she is also a loyal citizen of this kingdom."
Prince Loki grabs the cup of water and says, "Thank you, Gentes" as he takes a sip of water.
"Please call me Ken, Ken the Baker. I would prefer that name."
"Gentes Veldenware... I guess you still don't want to come back."
"Your highness. You have always been a generous, kind-hearted, and honorable prince of this kingdom. I hope someone with a big heart would understand a man like me. I still have Emili...I can't lose her."
Ken takes a deep breath. "Gentes Veldenware. What "he" has done isn't something to be proud of."
"I am proud of you. My father, the Letze Knights, the soldiers, and the citizens. Everyone who has heard of this name is proud of knowing such a warrior, a hero."
Prince Loki points outside. "How could you stay still after experiencing all this? The Defus don't have an inch of sympathy towards us. Don't you know? Your daughter was almost killed by a Frendrilk soldier. She was lucky to get away but...what about the others? You know what they have done to us. You can't just leave like this! You know we don't have many strong men to compete with the Hades Knights. You swore your loyalty to the Kingdom. You have to-"
Prince Loki gets interrupted by a loud bang coming from the staircase.
"Ouch!"
Ken notices Kora and rushes over.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Kora, who fell down the stairs, gets embarrassed.
"I-I'm fine. Sorry for interrupting your conversation... I came downstairs to find Emili."
"Emili went outside. She should be back soon."
"Oh, okay. I'll go back upstairs then? You guys can continue your conversation..."
Loki and Kora make eye contact.
Loki smiles. "Hello, nice to meet you. You're the young lady that saved Emili, am I correct?"
Kora nods.
"I hope the Medics treated you well. Are your wounds alright?"
"Yea, thank you for your concerns."
"No need to be so polite. You're one of my people in Askalandra. I should always be aware of my people."
Kora thinks to herself about how he seems like a different person compared to when they first met.
"Um...actually I think you have misunderstood. I'm not from Askalandra."
Prince Loki's smile fades.
"Oh? Where did you come from then? Frendrilk?"
"F-frendrilk? Now, where is that?"
Gentes chuckles.
"Oh please, your highness. Don't you remember the Frendrilk-ban your father passed 10 years ago?"
"You're right haha. What am I talking about? Sorry about that young lady."
So I guess Frendrilk is where the "Defus" live…Kora thinks to herself.
"Anyways, I must leave now. I'm sorry I couldn't spare any more time, Gen-"
Prince Loki gets interrupted by Ken.
"Call me baker Ken."
"...We will continue our conversation next time...Gentes. I will take my leave now."
Prince Loki walks out leaving Ken and Kora alone.
"Um, I'm very sorry. It seems that I've interrupted your conversation and made the situation a bit awkward..."
"Please don't say that. You actually saved me from that stressful conversation. Although I deeply honor his highness, I simply couldn't continue with that topic anymore. Thanks, my little friend."
Ken pats Kora's head as Kora looks somewhat confused.
"So! While we wait for Emili, maybe you should go back to the room to get more rest. Your injuries still haven't healed completely yet after all. I will be working in the kitchen. If you need anything just let me know, okay?"
"Okay, thank you!"